Atascosa County residents are being urged to exercise caution around wildlife after officials confirmed that a wild fox tested positive for rabies, prompting the implementation of a rabies quarantine area and renewed public health guidance aimed at protecting both people and pets.

The announcement from the Atascosa County Animal Control Department serves as an important reminder that while encounters with rabid animals are uncommon, quick action and awareness can prevent serious health consequences. County officials are encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of rabies, know what to do if an exposure occurs, and ensure their pets are protected through vaccination.

Two Individuals Receiving Preventive Treatment

According to Atascosa County Animal Control, working in coordination with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the rabies-positive fox was confirmed on June 23 after an incident that occurred during the night of June 19 in the 6300 block of State Highway 97 near Pleasanton.

Two individuals were bitten by the fox and immediately sought medical attention. Both began receiving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of vaccinations that is highly effective at preventing rabies when administered promptly after a potential exposure.

County officials said the exposed individuals are receiving appropriate medical care while the Animal Control Department continues monitoring the situation within the designated quarantine area.

Why Rabies Is Taken So Seriously

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. The virus is spread primarily through the saliva of infected animals, most often through bites or scratches.

In Texas, the primary wildlife carriers include:

• Foxes
• Bats
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Coyotes

Because early treatment is so effective, public health officials stress that any potential exposure should be treated as a medical emergency.

How Residents Can Help Protect Their Families and Pets

Atascosa County Animal Control is asking residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary contact with wildlife.

Officials recommend that residents:

• Never approach, feed, or handle wild animals, even if they appear tame, sick, or injured.
• Be especially cautious of wildlife acting unusually, including animals that appear disoriented, aggressive, unusually friendly, or active during daylight hours.
• Do not attempt to capture or care for injured or sick wildlife. Instead, contact local animal control authorities.
• Keep pets indoors or under close supervision whenever possible.
• Make sure dogs, cats, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies as required by Texas law.

Reporting Animal Bites Is Required by Texas Law

County officials also emphasized that reporting suspected rabies exposures is not optional.

Under Texas law, anyone who knows of an animal bite or suspects an animal may be rabid must report the incident to the local rabies control authority. Failure to report a potential rabies exposure can result in a Class B misdemeanor.

Anyone who has been bitten—or who knows of an animal bite or scratch capable of transmitting rabies—should immediately notify the Atascosa County Animal Control Department.

If someone is bitten or scratched by an animal, officials recommend:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Seek immediate medical attention by contacting a healthcare provider or visiting an emergency room.
3. Report the incident to Atascosa County Animal Control as soon as possible.

What Happens After an Animal Bite?

The fox involved in this incident has been laboratory-confirmed positive for rabies.

Texas Department of State Health Services regulations require that animals which bite humans be quarantined or tested. Dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite people are typically placed under a 10-day observation period, regardless of their vaccination status.

When a potential rabies exposure occurs, healthcare providers evaluate the risk and may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis, which can prevent the disease if started promptly.

Where to Get More Information

Residents with questions about rabies prevention, reporting animal bites, or the current quarantine area can contact the Atascosa County Animal Control Department at 830-769-2342 or visit the county's Animal Control webpage.

For emergency situations involving suspected rabid animals after business hours, residents should call 911 or contact the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office. Additional rabies information is also available through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

While confirmed rabies cases remain relatively rare, county officials say community awareness is one of the most effective tools for protecting public health. By avoiding contact with wildlife, keeping pets vaccinated, and promptly reporting animal bites, residents can help reduce the risk of further exposures and keep the community safe.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on this developing public health matter and other important community news across Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.